A Brief Guide on Converting Websites from Wix to WordPress

If you’re just starting with website creation, Wix is often an excellent choice due to its simplicity. However, many users eventually reach a point where they feel limited by Wix as their website needs to grow. At that stage, migrating from Wix to WordPress might be a good option for enhanced flexibility and control—especially with the help of a professional web design company in Melbourne.

Imagine the transition from Wix to WordPress as switching from an apartment with fixed amenities to a customisable house where you can add new rooms and features. As your website’s functionality demands increase, you may want advanced tools like contact forms, live chat, email marketing, or the ability to add custom CSS. These are just some of the options WordPress offers that Wix lacks.

In this guide, I’ll explain the benefits of converting your website and take you step-by-step through the migration process.

Why Switch from Wix to WordPress

Both Wix and WordPress allow users to create and manage websites without requiring extensive technical expertise. While Wix is user-friendly and comes with built-in tools, WordPress stands out for its unmatched customization capabilities. This flexibility makes WordPress the go-to choice for businesses seeking professional web design services.

This isn’t about declaring one platform “better” than the other—it’s about finding the best fit for your unique goals. Let’s dive deeper into why WordPress might be the right choice for you.

Limitations of Wix and Other Site Builders

While Wix makes it easy to launch new sites, it has certain restrictions. For example:

– Forms: Adding forms to blog posts is cumbersome and requires extra steps.

– Template Inflexibility: Wix doesn’t allow template changes after going live.

– Closed Platform: You’re limited to Wix’s built-in tools.

– No HTML Access: Customizing the HTML is restricted, though Velo by Wix offers some added features.

For a basic website with rich visuals, Wix is ideal. However, as your site grows, WordPress can support advanced needs like adding plugins or custom designs. Thus, you need to look into your requirements first according to expert web design companies in Melbourne.

Pre-Migration Steps

Now that you’re aware of WordPress’ advantages, it’s essential to prepare for the smooth migration of your site from Wix. Here’s the prep work a professional web design company in Melbourne recommends.

1. Sign up for a hosting provider (e.g., SiteGround or WP Engine).

2. Use a temporary domain until migration is complete.

3. Install WordPress. Most hosts offer automated WordPress installations.

4. Adjust your permalink settings for better SEO.

5. Choose a theme that suits your needs, either free or premium.

Migrating Content from Wix to WordPress

With your WordPress site set up, it’s time to move your content from Wix. Although there is no fully automated way to transfer all content from Wix to WordPress, you can migrate most content manually.

Step 1: Import Blog Posts via RSS Feed

You can transfer your Wix blog posts by using the RSS feed. Simply open your site’s RSS feed, save it as an XML file, and then upload it to WordPress via the Tools > Import section. This will automatically import your blog posts, though some minor reformatting may be needed afterwards.

Step 2: Manually Copy and Paste Pages

Unlike blog posts, you need to manually copy and paste pages from Wix. To do this, go through each page on your Wix site, copy the content, and then paste it into new pages on WordPress. Although this step takes time, it’s easy to follow. As you work, you can format your content using WordPress’s block editor, which lets you create layouts and add design elements.

Step 3: Transfer Images

Download images from Wix and upload them to WordPress. You can upload images individually by selecting Media > Add New in your dashboard, or you can use FTP to upload multiple images if you’re comfortable with this approach.

Post-Migration Steps: Finalizing Your WordPress Site

After transferring content, any web design company in Melbourne takes the following steps to ensure your site is fully functional:

1. Choose and Activate Plugins: WordPress plugins empower your website with essential features like SEO, security, and e-commerce functionality. Top-rated options are Yoast SEO, WPForms, and HubSpot’s plugin, which streamlines CRM and marketing tasks effectively.

2. Install an SEO Plugin: Boost your site’s visibility by installing an SEO plugin – Yoast SEO is a great choice as it streamlines your content and site structure, leading to better optimization.

3. Customize Your Theme: Tailor your theme to perfectly reflect your brand by investing time in adjusting the colours, fonts, and layout. Fortunately, most themes offer this flexibility without requiring any coding expertise.

4. Set Up Navigation Menus: Create intuitive navigation menus to help visitors find content on your site easily. Go to Appearance > Menus to build your primary navigation and footer menus.

5. Redirect Your Domain: Finally, redirect your domain from Wix to WordPress. This step involves updating your DNS settings through your domain registrar to point to your new WordPress hosting. Consult your hosting provider for specific instructions on transferring your domain.

Final Word:

Moving from Wix to WordPress might seem hard. However, a simple step-by-step guide makes it doable. WordPress offers more flexibility, growth potential, and control. This makes it ideal for long-term website growth. If it feels too much, consider hiring an expert like Make My Website. They’re a leading web design company in Melbourne that is trustworthy for all digital marketing needs.

Good luck!

Caesar